The South's Best New Hotels 2014

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Salamander Resort & Spa

Photo: Ball and Albanese

Middleburg, VA

Why We Love It: This luxurious country escape is the perfect example of a true Southern belle—beautiful, charming, and stylish. Polished green pastures and a stately porte cochere make for a dramatic entrance, as indulgent furnishings and equestrian flair ensure a grand stay. It's all a worthy extravagance for the very land where Jackie O. used to ride her horses. salamanderresort.com;$275 and up

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Hotel Domestique

Photo: Ball and Albanese

Travelers Rest, SC

Why We Love It: Domestique's rural locale conjures more Provençal luxury than the fruit stand-filled back roads of Upstate South Carolina. But those roads are precisely why it's here. Outdoor purists will be astounded by the pristine trails that offer up turntable views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and acres of undulating vineyards. hoteldomestique.com;$295 and up

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21c Museum Hotel Bentonville

Photo: Ball and Albanese

Austin, TX

Why We Love It: Tucked into the Ozarks, 21c is a breath of electrified air in a once slumberous town whose claim to fame is the birthplace of Walmart. In 2011 Bentonville welcomed the 120-acre Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, showcasing works from Norman Rockwell to Andy Warhol, and the area's art community reawakened with a thunderous clap. 21c execs, including founders Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, took notice and picked the unorthodox locale for the third location of its brand. 21cmuseumhotels.com;$199 and up

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Hotel Ella

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Austin, TX

Why We Love It: Originally built as a wedding present from University of Texas founder Thomas Wooten to his son, Dr. Goodall Wooten and his young socialite bride, Ella, the 1898 landmark was student housing before a multimillion-dollar renovation restored its splendor last year. The ground-floor rooms surrounding the cabana-lined pool come with small, private patios perfect for sipping an afternoon drink—such as the West Campus Mule with ginger beer, local vodka, and lime—from the home bar. It's just what the doctor ordered. hotelella.com;$299 and up